“I went through the budget and found places to make cuts,” Lanesboro City Councilman Tom Smith stated. Smith proceeded to review the 2017 budget to show the other members of the council where he felt cuts could be made. Among other suggestions, he proposed cutting the police budget, various departments in public works, the library budget for movies and books, the EDA, and … [Read more...]
Houston Planning Commission balancing financial with future
The Houston County Planning Commission was called to order at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 7, 2016. This was the first commission meeting since September 6, 2016, and the commission passed the previous meeting’s minutes without debate. Present at the meeting were Jim Edwards, Tony Shultz, Krin Abraham, City Administrator Christina Peterson, and Vice-chairman Vicki … [Read more...]
Maintenance Supervisor Schultz to head solid waste department
Restructuring of the Solid Waste Department following the retirement of solid waste administrator Jon Martin took a step forward at the county board’s November 1 meeting. County Engineer Ron Gregg had considered taking over as department head of Solid Waste, but declined to take on the additional responsibility for the pay offered. Building maintenance supervisor Terry … [Read more...]
Ostrander repairs and park damage discussed
The Ostrander City Council met on November 1, with all members present: Erin Volkart, Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, Clerk Chris Hyrkas, Heidi Jones, and DJ Start. Police Chief Tom Mosher informed the council of an incident in which a person caused extensive damages to the city park on October 27, by driving through the park repeatedly. Chief Mosher said the vehicle’s tires tore … [Read more...]
Rushford Village meets in closed session to discuss litigation
In closed meeting, following the Tuesday, November 1 open meeting, the Rushford Village Council met with City Attorney Tom Manion to discuss “pending or threatened litigation.” The issue pertains to a contract dispute with McHugh Excavating of Onalaska, Wis. May 3 of this year, the council awarded a $665,000 bid, part of a larger $878,000 project to the 40-year company. The … [Read more...]
Minnesota ranked in top 10 for science and technology
ST. PAUL, MN – On October 25, 2016, Minnesota scored in the top 10 of all 50 states, on a national measure of science and technology across the country. The 2016 Technology and Science Index from the Milken Institute ranked Minnesota eighth in the United States, on the strength of Minnesota’s science and technology capabilities and overall ecosystems, with a focus on our … [Read more...]
Spring Valley hears Kingsland referendum plans
The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on Monday, October 24, 2016. Members in attendance were Tony Archer, Todd Jones, Mayor Jim Struzyk, Jeff Vehrenkamp, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer. Bill Bires was absent. Kingsland Superintendent John McDonald attended the meeting, as did School Board Members Troy Asher and Ann Oeltjen, to inform the council about … [Read more...]
Rushford Trees, Trails, and Parks Commission gaining ground
The Monday, October 24 Rushford Council meeting was the shortest in recent memory, taking just over 20 minutes, start to finish. The agenda contained a visibly reduced consent agenda and just four items of council business. Council attendance was also reduced with Councilors Terri Benson and Vern Bunke, along with Mayor Chris Hallum present. City Clerk/Treasurer Kathy Zacher … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central introduces Action 100 program
Dean of Students Chris Mensink updated the Fillmore Central School board on the Action 100 Initiative at their regular board meeting on October 25. The program has been well received by the teachers, students, and parents, and great progress has been made implementing it. The new parking lot at the high school in Harmony is well under way and almost completed. The … [Read more...]
County to contract with Waste Management
By Karen Reisner Solid Waste Administrator Jon Martin reported at the county board’s October 25 meeting that the county has received two proposals for waste and recycling services. Waste Management and Harter’s Quick Clean-up offered their rates for landfill and recycling services. While there would be significant savings with Harter’s for landfill services, WM had … [Read more...]